Programs and Services: Inter-Library Loans

If we don't have it, we will try to get it for you!

If your public library doesn't have an item you need, we can usually borrow it from another library in Nunavut, from the Northwest Territories public library service, or from libraries in southern Canada. If the item has been published within the past year, NPLS will consider purchasing the item.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the library get ANY item?

Although we have a very good rate of success, we are just not able to get some materials for patrons. These include audio-visual materials (videos, audiocassettes, CDs) from outside Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, books that are kept as reference in their home library, and books for which there is no Canadian location in the National Library of Canada's database.

How do I request an interlibrary loan?

If you live in a community with a public library, please visit your library and provide as much information about the item as you can to your local librarian. Important information includes:

Author

Title

Publication details: date, publisher, edition

The local librarian will make the necessary contacts to arrange the interlibrary loan. You may request up to three items at one time.

Please note: If you live in a community without a public library, you need to be registered as a borrower-by-mail. When you are registered, you can submit your request with Sarah Sevoga at NPLS Headquarters in Baker Lake.
Telephone: 867-973-3351
Fax: 867-973-3360
E-mail: ssevoga@gov.nu.ca

Is there a cost for this service?

Just like all public library services in Nunavut, this service is free to the user. Even though Nunavut Public Library Services charges no fees for this service, some costs are incurred. Requests within the Territories usually require a minimum of one hour of staff time plus postage costs. Charges over $10 levied by the lending library will be passed on to the borrower. Any late charges or replacement charges for lost items will be passed on to the borrower. Borrowers with outstanding charges may have their borrowing privileges at all NPLS libraries suspended. If interlibrary loan materials are lost or damaged, we will ask you to reimburse us whatever replacement costs are charged by the lending library.

How long does it take?

It can take anywhere from 10 days to 3 months to get your requested item, depending on where it has been requested from and where you are located, since all interlibrary loans are sent by mail. Most interlibrary loans arrive within six weeks. When you request an item, please let us know if it will not be useful to you after a certain date.

How will I know when it arrives?

If you live in a community with a public library, the librarian will contact you, and the item will be available for you to pick up during normal library hours. If you are a borrower-by-mail, the item will be mailed to you, with a return mail label so the item can be returned at no cost to yourself.

How long may I keep the item?

The loan period will depend on the lending library and the time the item has spent in the mail. Your return date will be clearly indicated by the local librarian or on a date due slip if it comes in the mail. If you need the item for longer, please contact your librarian, or the Baker Lake Office if you are a borrower-by-mail, to find out if it is possible to have the loan date extended. It is important that items be returned on time. Nunavut Public Library Services have requested the item on your behalf. If we are unable to return items in a timely fashion, we may face fines and jeopardize our future borrowing privileges with that library.